However, as Metro told you earlier this week, Tottenham have long been in pole position to land the play-maker, and announced via their official website that a deal has now been struck.

‘We are delighted to announce that we have reached agreement with Germany Under-21 captain Lewis Holtby to join the Club in July from Bundesliga side Schalke, subject to a medical,’ said the statement.

Holtby, who was born in Germany to an English father, is expected to have a medical in the next few days, before returning to his homeland to complete the season with Schalke.